I actually think the Spurs can beat anyone in the west right now... especially with the way the Lakers are playing. They could come out of the west this year.
I thought that last year too but it turned out no one could duplicate what the Rockets did. I have the same feeling about this year.
Good 1st half for the Thunder. They gave up too many putback offensive rebounds, but they can't help that sometimes. Ibaka and Collison only played 9 and 7 minutes while Green and Krstic played 21 and 13 minutes. In the 2nd half, both Ibaka and Collison should play nearly 20 minutes each. Go ahead and start Krstic to see if he hits his customary 2-3 straight jumpers early on, then yank him out for Collison after he cools off. Green looks more comfortable out there, but he is getting abused by Pau and he's can't hit the side of a barn on offense. Him taking 11 1st half shots was insane. If the Thunder substitute as suggested above and continue to put out on defense, they can close this game out. It's important they don't give up a big run to start the 2nd half. If the Lakers are serious about winning this game, I expect a huge push early on.
but ginobili is injured he broke his nose; wont that affect his game a bit and the spurs gameplay overall?
Rudy Fernandez would fit on this team as a third option as long as you keep Thabo for defense. or Trade him for a PF with range. Durant and Ibaka will get the boards.
Lakers went to 7 games against us last year. It did not matter much when they played magic. They killed magic in just 5 games. I hate lakers. I hope they lose this year and get it on their arrogant faces, but they are still very talented. There is no missing piece in their line up. Only thing missing is sense of urgency, which will be there when they play in semifinals/finals.
This is Green's first playoff series. It happens sometimes. Also, throughout his career, he's had a knack for hitting clutch shots for the Thunder. Late this season it happened several times. I don't think they should give up on him. The Lakers are probably the worst team in the NBA for him to match up. Judging him by this one series is a mistake. ubigred, Rudy Fernandez definitely doesn't fit the Thunder mold. At the NBA level, he isn't that gifted an offensive player other than 3-pointers. I don't buy that his problems are solely because of the way McMillan uses him. I like both the Blazers and Thunder and I'm to the point that Rudy may as well go back to Europe. I'm fed up with his act.
I feel same. I don't want to sleep on these guys. Duncan and Ginobli are playing great. Tony parker looked good in last game. They still have good defense and coach. If they can beat dallas, then they can beat suns/blazers. Lakers-spurs would be tough.
Its ridiculous what kinda calls you can get on your home court. That would not have been called at Staples.
Yeah, they will take care of thunders. They will come out strong in game 5... probably still go lazy in game 6 and then beat thunders by 20 in game 7.. Even though, this game is not over yet.. Kobe can get hot and win this game too. I just think they are too talented. When they have to win, they can beat anyone.
LOL I would try to dispute you , but it seems you have the upper hand in knowledge when it comes to Rudy. Now Travis Outlaw would be a perfect fit to replace Green. You are right about that it could be first playoff jitters, but I doubt it. One of the knocks about him coming out of Georgetown was that he is not assertive. Ibaka will be better than him.
